August may be slipping away to a moment in time, and we’re making the best of those last licks of summer with lots of things to do with the family this weekend. Enjoy 4-H county fair farm activities, live music, cars on display, fun games, thrilling carnival rides, and delicious food at the Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair in Lambertville, celebrate a memorable summer with music, face painting, a petting zoo, color run, and more at the End of Summer Extravaganza in Trenton, or check out vintage automobiles on display and live music at the Family Fun Fest & Car Show in Basking Ridge. And for more summer fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo: iStock/skhoward)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
End of Summer Extravaganza
August 22 at 12 PM
Summer might be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Celebrate a memorable summer season with music, face painting, a petting zoo, a color run, and more with the whole family.
Cost: Free
Cadwalader Park, 36 Parkside, Trenton, NJ 08618
Drive-In Movie Night
August 22 at 8 PM
Spend Friday night with the family for a drive-in movie featuring Dog Man: Mission Impawsible. Feel free to bring your own food or enjoy the refreshments that will be for sale, including soda, water, candy, popcorn, or Kona Ice.
Cost: Free
William Wilt Soccer Complex, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Car Show in the Park
August 22 at 4 PM
Gather your crew to walk among the vintage automobiles on display, with Hot Wheels car giveaways for the kids, and discount coupons to use in area restaurants.
Cost: Free
Ballard Park, 15 Pitman Avenue, Pitman, NJ 08071
Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair Fireworks
August 22-24
This family-friendly event celebrates Hunterdon County’s rich agricultural landscape. You and your crew can check out the 4-H county fair farm activities, live music, fun games, thrilling carnival rides, and delicious food.
Cost: Free, parking $15
Hunterdon County Fairgrounds, 1207 Route 179, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Manasquan Summerfest Craft Show
August 23 at 10 AM
Spend the day in Squan with unique crafters and artists, gourmet food, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza, Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Canal Day Music & Craft Festival
August 23
Teach the family some history at this summer festival in NJ—take a guided walking tour of the Morris Canal, travel down the waterway on a free boat ride, or prove your prowess by paddling a kayak. There will be kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, live music from three different bands, and a beer garden.
Cost: Free
Hugh Force Canal Park, 180 West Central Avenue, Wharton, NJ 07885
Wine Down Summer
August 23 at 12 PM
Celebrate the end of summer with this fun festival that includes NJ wineries, food trucks, live music, crafters, and family time to enjoy the gorgeous August weather. Bring your own picnic gear, including tables, chairs, blankets, and tents, to set up and enjoy the day.
Cost: $20 for guests and free for anyone under 21 years of age
Red Bank Battlefield Park, 100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, NJ 08063
Food Truck & Fireworks Festival
August 23 at 4 PM
Inflatable rides, live music, vendors, and fireworks? Yes please. You will find all of this and more at this festival, which is a great way to spend quality time with the family.
Cost: $10 for adults 18+, $5 for ages 13-17, and free for kids 12 and under
Turkey Brook Park, 30 Flanders Road, Budd Lake, 07828
Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival
August 23 at 1 PM
The annual event has moved locations and changed names over the years, but it’s still the same live jazz and blues music. There will be kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks, culminating in a 9 PM fireworks display.
Cost: Free
Cooper Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Community Impact Day
August 23 at 12 PM
This day will be full of tons of fun for all ages, including unique goods from local vendors, cotton candy, basketball and football games, and face painting. Come together as a community and also find free community resources.
Cost: Free
506-508 18th Avenue Newark, NJ 07103
Bridgeton Peach Festival
August 23-24 at 10 AM
This event will host a peach fuzz contest for babies under one year old. Also, look out for many peach treats and decor from merchants and vendors.
Cost: Parking is $2 per car
97 Trench Road, Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Luau at Laurita Food Truck Festival
August 23-24 at 11 AM
Aloha—enjoy outstanding wines with friends and family, fire and hula dancers, and free hula lessons. Pair delicious wines with food from the on-site food trucks. Wine and dine while listening to top live musical artists all weekend.
Cost: Tickets are $13 online in advance and $15 at the gate. Everyone under 21 is free.
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533
NJ Thoroughbred Festival
August 24 at 12 PM
Come out to Monmouth Park and spend the day celebrating New Jersey Thoroughbred racing. There will be family activities, live music, a giveaway, and more.
Cost: $6 for general admission and free for kids 12 and under
Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757
9th Annual Rotary Family Fun Fest & Car Show
August 24 at 11 AM
Looking for something different to do this weekend? This annual event will feature live music, delicious food, 50/50 raffles, a vintage and unique car show, and more. The rain date is September 8.
Cost: Free
Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Craft Show & Antique Corner
August 24 at 10 AM
Enjoy the summer weather at this outdoor event, featuring 125 exhibitors selling arts and crafts, florals, soaps, and more. Delicious food will be available while you shop.
Cost: Free admission
Veterans Park, 318 3rd Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Movies On The Beach
August 24 at 8:30 PM
Grab the whole family, your beach chairs, and enjoy a free movie on the beach. This week’s movie will be Sonic 3.
Cost: Free
Beach Patrol North Headquarters, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
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